MBTA says both service cuts, fee hikes will be needed

As agency faces $159m shortfall, riders frustrated

The MBTA said Tuesday that both service cuts and fare increases will be necessary to close a $159 million budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year.

At it gets closer to finalizing its plan, the transit agency pledged to use feedback from a series of charged public hearings on the T’s future over the past two months. At the 31 meetings, which ended Monday night in Brighton, nearly all riders opposed the proposals. Many voiced anger, frustration, and fear about the impact that rate hikes and reductions in service would bring, particularly to low-income, elderly, and disabled customers.